Shropshire business predicts rising demand for jewellery and watches

Shrewsbury-based Halls Fine Art is seeking items before the closing date on January 31.

Already consigned by a South Shropshire owner are a yellow, white and rose metal multi-strand bracelet and a yellow metal, multi-strand necklace, each valued at between £2,000 and £3,000.

Another interesting item is a Victorian Egyptian revival silver desk stand by Horace Woodward, Birmingham 1871, comprising a central box mounted with a sphinx. The stand, which has been consigned by a West Yorkshire vendor, is  valued at between £500 and £700.

Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, Halls Fine Art’s silver and jewellery specialist, said: “We enjoyed a very successful 2024, particularly in the jewellery department, with excellent prices achieved for quality diamond pieces and high demand for gold throughout the year.

“It was evident that buyers were more discerning of what they bought, particularly with diamonds of two carats and above. Quality pieces will always sell well and period pieces remain in demand because there are fewer on the market.

“I believe there will be even more interest this year as the fine art department continues to grow, attracting sellers and buyers from across the UK and around the world.

“One trend we that continues to grow is popularity of jewellery from the 1960s and ‘70s. It is much more fashionable than 15 to 20 years ago when white gold and platinum jewellery were in vogue. As the fashion has changed, people are coveting chunky gold jewellery again.

“As we now have three online platforms for our sales, we are attracting a global audience with eager buyers waiting to make purchases."

“My advice to anyone who has valuable jewellery which they do not wear is to make an appointment with us to get an up-to-date auction valuation. There seems little point in paying an insurance premium for something that is tucked away in a drawer at home and never used.”

Highlights of last year’s silver and jewellery auctions were a collection of 14 carat gold jewellery from a Wolverhampton seller which sold in two auctions for £15,000, single stone diamond rings at £13,000 and £9,500 and a three stone diamond and emerald ring at £10,000.

 Halls Fine Art’s watches specialist Alexander Clement is confident of stronger prices for quality watches, silver, jewellery and paintings this year due to the likely uncertainty in global financial markets.

 “I think the global economic instability is going to strengthen the market in tangible assets, particularly in watches, precious metals, coins and the upper end of the art market,” he said. 

“I predict increasingly stronger prices as the year progresses.

“We are therefore keen to consign more watches, jewellery, coins and paintings to meet this demand, as investors seek a safe haven for their money.”

Highlights of the watches sold by the company last year were £10,000 for a rare Rolex GMT Master wristwatch owned and worn by Spanish maritime pioneer Vital Alsar and £2,000 for a Heuer Camaro chronograph wristwatch.

For more information about consigning single items or collections to the auction, call 01743 450700.